Systems, methods and media for updating an instant messaging system on a
network are disclosed. More particularly, hardware and/or software for
updating status indicators such as `away` messages of an instant
messaging system are disclosed. Embodiments include determining that a
change in status of the user has occurred and automatically transmitting
an indication of the change in status to instant messenger system manager
via a network. Embodiments include determining that a change in status of
the user has occurred based on receiving an indication that the user's
status has changed, such as from user input on a keyboard, mouse, etc.
Other embodiments include determining that a change in status has
occurred based on determining that the user's status has changed based on
an electronic calendar, expiration of a time period, etc.